2017 Ohio Housing Conference Press Release

Ohio Housing Conference Brings National Housing Industry Together

COLUMBUS - On November 7 – 9, one of the nation's largest housing conferences, hosted by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH), will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

This year's conference, Coming Together in Ohio, addresses the latest and most pressing issues in housing with speakers from across the United States. Over 1,700 industry professionals attend and participate in interactive sessions and workshops regarding affordable housing, economic policy and more.

The conference will feature keynote speaker J.D. Vance, bestselling author of the memoir, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Vance was raised in the Rust Belt cities of Middletown, Ohio, and Jackson, Kentucky, where he observed the issues affecting his communities, including addiction and the lack of economic opportunities.

His unique perspective of life in rural America has gained him national attention with appearances on news outlets such as ABC News, The New York Times, MSNBC and more. Vance currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, and is working to develop a non-profit to address the opioid epidemic. A graduate of The Ohio State University and Yale Law School, Vance now works as a political contributor for CNN.

In addition, the Ohio Housing Conference will feature the following speakers:

David Smith, Founder and Chairman of the Recap Real Estate Advisors

Michael Novogradac, Managing Partner of Novogradac & Company LLP

Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition

Dr. Edward "Ned" Hill, Professor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University

Robert Vogt, Partner of Vogt Strategic Insights

Mike Koessel, Director of Citi Municipal Housing, Citi

To provide attendees with more opportunities to connect and share expertise, the conference also includes a Networking Reception on Wednesday, November 8, at the Ohio Statehouse. The conference will also shuttle attendees to various developments where they can tour sites that represent themes discussed at the conference, including Columbus's Cargominiums development, the rising Franklinton neighborhood, the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and more. Plenary sessions will also provide updates on federal, state and local policy changes.